“Data is plural. Data is many.” A Three-Part Manifesto on Illustrating Data by Pirita Tolvanen

Sometimes the most interesting people reach out to me. Recently, I heard from Pirita Tolvanen, a Finnish Illustrator & Information Designer, who informed me that for the last couple of years she has conducted a research project about data visualization and nonfiction picture books. This originated as an independent project, though she started it as a Fulbright scholar at the Simmons University’s Center for the Study of Children’s Literature in Boston, MA, USA, back in 2022.

As an outcome of the project, Pirita would go on to write a Manifesto on Illustrating Data, and published it in three parts on her blog. Since she quoted me in the third part, she wanted to alert me to the fact. Though she only meant to share the posts with me, I was fascinated and asked if by any chance I could share them on this site. She agreed and so today it is, to my infinite pleasure, the privilege of introducing to you Pirita Tolvanen’s three part series.

Manifesto, part 1: Approaching data starts from structure is about structures, stories and linearity – and about the direct, straightforward communication of pictures.

Manifesto, part 2: In a picture book, pictures come first focuses on picture books (and on the New Nonfiction Picturebook) and the balance between pictures and words – and numbers.

Manifesto, part 3: With data, we need pictures, the final part, is about the interaction of pictures and data and about the significance of emotional structures.

If ever you have had thoughts or opinions or questions on nonfiction and informational books, these three posts constitute a wealth of information that’s free for the taking. Check them out whenever you have the chance, and soak up the thoughts inside.

Many thanks to Pirita for alerting me to this work and sharing it with us today.

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